The Exalted Ruler assumes his
station and by sound of the gavel calls the lodge to order.

Exalted Ruler: I am about to open ... Lodge, No. ..., of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks. Brother Inner Guard, inform the Tiler, invite all Elks to come
within the lodge room, and guard well the inner door.

The Inner Guard complies with the
order.

Inner Guard: Exalted Ruler, your order has been obeyed.

Exalted Ruler: Esteemed Loyal Knight, with the assistance of the Esteemed Lecturing
Knight, you will ascertain if all present; are qualified to remain.

These officers shall meet at the
altar and advance from either side thereof to the station of the Exalted Ruler,
to whom they shall exhibit their membership cards. Thereupon they shall proceed
to examine the brothers on their respective sides of the room, commencing at the
right and left of the Exalted Ruler.

If any brother be found without a
member ship card showing that his dues are paid for the current period, the fact
shall be reported to the Exalted Ruler. Thereupon the Exalted Ruler shall
ascertain from the Secretary whether or not the brother is entitled to remain in
the lodge room and shall direct the examining officer accordingly. If the
brother is not entitled to remain by reason of nonpayment of current dues, he
shall be given an opportunity to pay the same, in default of which he shall
immediately withdraw.

After completing their duties,
the examining officers shall advance to the altar and in unison salute the
Exalted Ruler with the hailing sign.

Esteemed Loyal Knight: Exalted Ruler, all present, excepting visiting brothers, have been
examined and are qualified to remain.

The Esteemed Loyal Knight and the
Esteemed Lecturing Knight shall then return to their respective stations. If
there are no visiting brothers present, the words “excepting visiting
brothers” and the following portions relative to visitors may be omitted.

Exalted Ruler: Visiting brothers will please rise. Brother Esquire, are you satisfied
that these visiting brothers are qualified to remain?

Esquire: I am, Exalted Ruler.

Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, you will cause the visiting brothers to approach the
altar and introduce them to the lodge.

The Esquire assembles the
visiting brothers across the lodge room about two paces in front of the altar.
He shall introduce each brother separately by giving his name and the name and
number of his lodge. The visiting brother, when the number of his lodge is
announced, shall take one step forward and give the hailing sign. On being
recognized by the Exalted Ruler he shall resume his former position until all
have been introduced and until the Exalted Ruler shall have directed that the
visiting brothers be seated.

Exalted Ruler: In the name of the Order, and on behalf of this lodge, I greet you as
brothers. You may be seated.

Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, have you performed your duties?

Esquire: I have, Exalted Ruler; a quorum is present, the officers are at their
stations in proper

It is the duty of the Inner Guard
to open the door and ascertain if the Tiler is at his station and in the
performance of his duties.

Inner Guard: Exalted Ruler, the lodge is properly tiled.

Exalted Ruler: What is your duty?

Inner Guard: To guard well the inner door of the lodge, to permit none to enter except
those duly qualified, and none to retire without your permission.

Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, what is your duty?

Esquire: To receive candidates, prepare them for initiation, act as their guide
through the ceremony and explain to them the procedures of the Order; to see
that the signs are given correctly, examine and introduce visiting brothers,
make all arrangements for ritualistic work, prepare and carefully guard the
ballot, and see that the orders of the Exalted Ruler are properly executed.

Exalted Ruler: Esteemed Lecturing Knight, what is your duty?

Esteemed Lecturing Knight: To exemplify the motto of this station — Brotherly Love.

Exalted Ruler: Esteemed Loyal Knight, what ii your duty?

Esteemed Loyal Knight: To see that each brother is rewarded as he shall deserve, thereby
exemplifying the motto of this station — Justice.

Exalted Ruler: Esteemed Leading Knight, what is your duty?

Esteemed Leading Knight: To assist the Exalted Ruler in conducting the business of the lodge and
to preside during his absence; to stand ready to hear the cry of affliction, to
aid those in distress, and by precept and example inculcate the motto of this
station — Charity.

Exalted Ruler: Brothers, what is the motto of the station of the Exalted Ruler?

All:
Fidelity.

Exalted Ruler: Fidelity, my brothers, is of supreme importance, for only while we
remain faithful to our obligation will we act toward one another with Charity,
Justice and Brotherly Love. It is the duty of the Exalted Ruler to preside with
impartiality, and it is the duty of the brothers, under their obligation, to
assist in upholding and maintaining the honor and dignity of the Order and of
this lodge. Brother Esquire, arrange the altar.

The Esquire approaches the altar.
After saluting the Exalted Ruler with the hailing sign, he proceeds to the
station of the Esteemed Leading Knight.

Esquire (standing before the
station, addressing the Esteemed Leading Knight):
Esteemed Leading Knight, I come to you for the emblem of your station, the
American Flag, that it may be placed in position of honor at the right of the
Altar of Elkdom.

Exalted Ruler: Brothers, salute our Flag.

The Brothers give the civilian
salute.

Esteemed Leading Knight (hands
Flag on staff to Esquire): Place this Flag lovingly beside
the altar, Brother Esquire, and may its beauty increase the devotion of the
members to its radiant stripes and celestial stars that insure protection of our
land of liberty and testify to its glorious victories.

The Esquire, carrying the Flag on
its staff, proceeds in an orderly manner to a position one pace in front of the
center of the altar, faces the Exalted Ruler, and delivers this tribute.

Esquire: This is the Flag of our country, the emblem of freedom and the symbol
of unity. As Americans and patriots we first place it beside our altar. And as
the American flag typifies the glory of our nation we have adopted it as
emblematic of the cardinal principle of our Order — Charity.

After delivering this tribute,
the Esquire places the Flag in its stand to the right of the altar. During this
Flag ceremony the Brothers should be standing at salute and the organist should
be playing our National Anthem.

Exalted Ruler: My brothers, recite with me the Elks’ Pledge.

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United
States of America and to the Republic for which it stands; one Nation under God,
indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

After the Pledge of Allegiance,
the Lodge will be at ease and the Esquire proceeds to the station of the
Esteemed Loyal Knight, from whom he receives the Bible. Upon receiving the Bible,
the Esquire will step back one pace and then proceed in an orderly manner to the
altar, and hold the Bible reverently and unopened.

Esquire: This is the Bible, the Book of Law, upon which is founded Justice.

The Esquire then places the Bible,
opened, upon the altar.

The brothers sing or the Organist
plays “Nearer, My God, to Thee,” after which the Esquire proceeds to the
station of the Esteemed Lecturing Knight, from whom he receives the Emblem.
The Esquire steps back one pace and then proceeds in an orderly manner to the
altar. Meanwhile the Organist plays softly “Auld Lang Syne,” beginning as
the Esquire starts toward the station of the Esteemed Lecturing Knight.

Esquire: These are the antlers, the emblem of our Order, significant of the
protection afforded through Brotherly Love.

The Esquire then places the
Emblem in back of the Bible as viewed by the candidate and with the Emblem
facing the station of the Esteemed Leading Knight

The brothers sing or the Organist
plays “Auld Lang Syne.”

Esquire: Exalted Ruler, the altar has been arranged.

The lights are all turned out and
while the room is in total darkness the Esquire returns to his station.
Exalted Ruler: Upon these sacred emblems will now be shed the
soft and fervent glow of the fixed star, emblematic of Fidelity.Light is turned on the star.
Exalted Ruler: Brothers, unite in singing the opening ode.

Air, “Auld Lang Syne.”

Great Ruler of the universe

All-seeing and benign,

Look down upon and bless our work,

And be all glory Thine;

May Charity as taught us here

Be ever borne in mind,

The Golden Rule our motto true,

For days of Auld Lang Syne.

God Bless America may be sung as
an alternate. During the singing the Chaplain takes his position at the altar.

Chaplain: Let us pray: Our Father Who art in Heaven, direct us in all our
deliberations with Thy most gracious favor, and further us with Thy continual
help, that in all our works begun, continued and ended in Thee, we may glorify
Thy holy name. Enlighten our minds more and more with the principles of our
Order — Charity, Justices Brotherly Love and Fidelity. Let the light of Thy
countenance shine upon us even as the light of this star. Increase in us true
benevolence, nourish us with all goodness, keep us faithful to our obligation,
and lead us and all Elks beside the still waters of peace, for Thine is the
power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

All:
Amen

The lights are now turned on,
first giving the Chaplain sufficient time to return to his station.

The Inner Guard shall open the
door and inform the Tiler that the lodge is opened.

Initiation

Any subordinate lodge desiring so
to do may utilize the services of a drill team in connection with the ceremony
of initiation, such team to be composed of members of the local lodge or of
another lodge. When the ceremony is performed by the regular officers of the
lodge, the Exalted Ruler shall preside. If the Exalted Ruler be absent, the
Esteemed Leading Knight may preside. As an act of courtesy any one of the
following officers may be invited to preside: any Past Exalted Ruler of the
local lodge, the Exalted Ruler or any Past Exalted Ruler of another lodge, the
District Deputy, the Grand Exalted Ruler, or any other officer of the Grand
Lodge.

Prior to the beginning of the
ceremony of initiation, the Secretary shall require each candidate to sign the
question book (provided the applications are not kept as a permanent record)
and pay the balance of the initiation fee and dues for the current period.

Smoking is positively prohibited
during initiation.

Exalted Ruler: Brother Secretary, are there any candidates awaiting initiation?

Secretary (standing): Exalted Ruler Mr ... (and ... other American
gentlemen) is in waiting and requests initiation into this lodge.

Exalted Ruler: Has the candidate been duly elected to membership in our Order, and has
he complied with our laws?

Secretary: He has.

The Secretary resumes his seat.

Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, you will retire to the anteroom, prepare the candidate
for initiation and conduct him to the door of the lodge.

The Esquire retires. If there
should be more than one candidate, the foregoing and subsequent responses must
be made to conform to the plural. The Esquire shall select such assistants as
may be necessary.

Exalted Ruler: My brothers, we are about to perform the solemn ceremony of initiation;
and, as the impressions produced on the mind of the candidate are likely to be
lasting, I earnestly charge you to observe the utmost decorum during its
progress. You will refrain from smoking, cease conversation, and so deport
yourselves as not to disturb the officers in charge or distract the attention
of the candidate.

With this reminder of the important work we are
about to undertake, I now declare this lodge ready for initiation.

Brother Inner Guard, inform the Esquire that the
lodge is prepared to receive the candidate.

The candidate shall be conducted
by the Esquire to the inner door. The Esquire shall give the rap for admission
and the Inner Guard shall respond.

Inner Guard: Who seeks admission?

Esquire: The Esquire, with Mr. ... who desires to become a member of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

If more than one candidate, then
the Esquire, Inner Guard and Exalted Ruler shall omit any reference to
individual names, and the Esquire shall substitute “... American Gentlemen,”
and when the Inner Guard addresses the Exalted Ruler, he will say, “seeks
admission with ... American Gentlemen,” and when the Exalted Ruler addresses
the candidates he shall say, “Gentlemen.”

Inner Guard: Is he properly prepared and vouched for?

Esquire: He is properly prepared and I, as an Elk, vouch for his identity.

The Esquire conducts the
candidate to the right and walks with him once around the lodge room As he
passes the stations of the several chair officers they will deliver the
following.

Esteemed Loyal Knight: Be just to your fellow-man.

Esteemed Lecturing Knight: Ever practice brotherly love.

Esteemed Leading Knight: Be charitable to all mankind.

The Esquire brings the candidate
before the altar.

Esquire: Exalted Ruler, I present the candidate.

Exalted Ruler: Mr. ..., you have been duly accepted by the brothers of this lodge as
worthy to become united with them in the noble work to which this Order is
dedicated. Before proceeding further with your initiation, it is necessary for
you to take the solemn and binding obligation of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks. In this, I assure you, there is nothing which will interfere with
your duty to yourself or your family, or conflict with your religious or
political opinions. Are you willing to assume such an obligation?

Candidate replies.

Exalted Ruler: Do you believe in God?

Candidate replies.

Exalted Ruler and Chaplain
approach the altar — the Chaplain to the left of the Exalted Ruler, both
facing the candidates and standing close to the altar.

Exalted Ruler: The Chaplain will lead us in prayer.

Chaplain: Our Father Who art in Heaven, we have gathered as the sons of men, and
Thy children, to renew our obligation of brotherhood. Prosper us in this labor
of love. Bless this candidate, and grant that he may become a true and loyal
brother among us, exemplifying the virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love
and Fidelity. In all our endeavors for good, lead us and all Elks into the green
pastures of knowledge, and beside the still waters of peace. Amen.

All:
Amen.

Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, place the candidate in position to assume the
obligation, standing erect, his left hand over his heart, his right hand
uplifted above the altar upon which rest the Holy Bible and the antlers of
protection.

The Esquire places the candidate
in position before the altar. If there is a large number of candidates they
should be arranged in single, or, when necessary, in double or triple file about
the altar, facing the station of the Exalted Ruler.

Esquire: Exalted Ruler, the candidate is in position.

Exalted Ruler: My Brothers, be attentive while I am administering the obligation.

All lights, except the star, are
to be extinguished until after the Eleven O’Clock Toast. The Organist should
play softly the strains of some sacred music.

Exalted Ruler: The candidate will say, “I,” pronounce his name in full, and repeat
after me:

Obligation

I, ... in the presence of God and this lodge of
Elks, do solemnly promise and swear that I will never reveal any of the
confidential matters of this Order which have been, or may hereafter be,
committed to my charge and keeping.

I will support the Constitution, and obey the
statutes, rules and’ regulations of this Order, and the by-laws of ... Lodge,
No. ... and those of any other lodge of which I may hereafter become a member.

I will uphold the Constitution and laws of the
United States of America.

I will propose no one for membership in this Order
whom I do not sincerely believe to be worthy thereof.

I will ballot for a worthy candidate and against an
unworthy candidate when proposed by another.

I will not permit any political, sectarian or
personal
prejudice to influence me in the slightest degree in the exercise of my right of
franchise in the Order.

I will obey any lawful summons sent me by any
competent authority of the Order.

I will never apply to the courts for redress in any
matter concerning the Order, without first appealing to the councils of the
Order.

I will never reveal to anyone, not an Elk, the name
of a brother asking or receiving aid or relief from the Order.

I will not, directly or indirectly, use my
membership
in this Order, nor any emblem, insignia or sign thereof, for business or
commercial purposes.

I will never introduce into the Order anything of a
political or sectarian character, nor in any way by my conduct bring reproach
upon it.

I will always protect a brother, his good name and
his family; and I will always respect and defend the purity and sanctity of his
home and fireside

If I break this obligation, may I wander through
the world forsaken; may I be pointed out as a being bereft of decency and
manhood, unfit to hold communion with true and upright men. And may God help me,
and keep me steadfast in this my solemn and binding obligation in the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America. Amen

All:
Amen.

Exalted Ruler: At ease.

The Esquire withdraws the
initiate a step from the altar. The members sing “Nearer, My God, to Thee”.

Nearer, my God, to Thee,

Nearer to Thee;

E’en though it be a cross

That raiseth me;

Still all my song shall be,

Nearer, my God, to Thee,

Nearer, my God, to Thee,

Nearer to Thee.

The Esquire shall cause the gong
to strike eleven slowly. At the eleventh stroke the Esquire shall say solemnly:
It is the Hour of Recollection.

Exalted Ruler: My brother, you have heard the 2 tolling of eleven strokes. This is to
impress upon you that with us the hour of eleven has a tender significance.
Wherever an Elk may roam, whatever his lot in life may be, when this hour falls
upon the dial of night, the great heart of Elkdom swells and throbs. It is the
golden hour of recollection, the homecoming of those who wander, the mystic roll
call of those who will come no more. Living or dead, an Elk is never forgotten,
never forsaken. Morning and noon may pass him by, the light of day sink
heedlessly in the West, but ere the shadows of midnight shall fall, the chimes
of memory will be pealing forth the friendly message, “To our absent brothers.”

Lights turned on.

Brothers, for the instruction of this newly-made
brother, extend the right hand in token of the renewal of your obligation.

Each Brother stretches forth his
right hand.

This, my brother, is to teach you that while you
remain faithful to your obligation, these hands and the hands of every Elk on
the face of the earth will be stretched forth to you in a spirit of fellowship

and to relieve your distress should you be
overtaken by adversity and misfortune. On the contrary, should you prove
unfaithful, these same hand. will be clenched each
member clenches his right hand to drive you from our midst and punish
you for your infidelity.

The Exalted Ruler and Chaplain
return to their stations.

Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, you will now instruct our brother in the procedures of
the Order.

The Esquire takes position to the
left of the altar facing the candidate. The rap for admission shall be
illustrated by the Inner Guard, and the raps of the gavel by the Exalted Ruler
at the precise time of reference to them by the Esquire during his instructions.

Esquire: My brother, the membership card, which will be presented to you by the
Secretary, is a means of identification. It shows that you are a member in good
standing in this lodge. You should carry it with you at all times. You are
required to present it in order to gain admission to this lodge, and without it
you cannot gain admission to another lodge.

The hailing sign is made by bringing the hands in
one circular movement to a position over the head, palms to the front. It
denotes the spreading antlers of an elk. It should be given only in front of

the altar in the lodge room, while the lodge is in
session or when ordered by the Exalted Ruler.

The civilian salute to the Flag is made standing
erect with the right hand over the heart.

The voting sign is made by uplifting the right
hand, palm to the front.

In explanation, suit the action
to the words.

The gavel in the hand of the Exalted Ruler is the
emblem of authority. One rap (*) calls the lodge to order, or seats it when
standing; two raps (* *) call up the officers; three raps (* * *) call up the
entire lodge.

At the opening of the lodge, when called upon so to
do, you will exhibit your membership card to either the Esteemed Loyal Knight or
the Esteemed Lecturing Knight.

If you wish to gain admission to this lodge when it
is in session, you will give an alarm at the outer door, which will be opened by
the Tiler. To him you will exhibit your membership card. If found correct you
will be admitted to the anteroom, and will then advance to the inner door and
give a rap for admission. The Inner Guard will open the wicket and to him you
will give, in a whisper, your name and the name and number of your lodge. The
Inner Guard will report to the Exalted Ruler, at whose direction you will be
admitted. You will then advance before the altar, face the Exalted Ruler and
salute him with the hailing sign. It will be answered by the Exalted Ruler by a
wave of the hand. You will then be seated.

You shall not cross the floor after the lodge has
been opened without permission of the Exalted Ruler, and in no case shall you
pass between the altar and the station of the Exalted Ruler except as Ritual
requires during the initiation, or when so ordered by the Exalted Ruler.

Should you wish to retire while the lodge is in
session, you will advance before the altar and salute the Exalted Ruler with the
hailing sign. When answered by him you will be at liberty to retire.

In visiting another lodge, in addition to
exhibiting
your membership card, it will be necessary for you to undergo such examination
as may be required by the Esquire.

For your further instruction you will pay strict
attention to the dialogue between the Exalted Ruler and myself.

The Esquire faces the Exalted
Ruler.

Exalted Ruler: What made you an Elk?

Esquire: My solemn and binding obligation.

Exalted Ruler: How can you prove yourself an Elk?

Esquire: By exhibiting my membership card.

Exalted Ruler: What is an Elk?

Esquire: An American citizen who guides his course in life by the cardinal
principles of our Order: Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity.

Exalted Ruler: Give the hailing sign.

The Esquire gives the hailing
sign.

Exalted Ruler: What does this sign denote?

Esquire: The spreading antlers of protection.

Exalted Ruler: Why were you asked if you believed in God?

Esquire: Because had I not so believed I would not have been permitted to take the
obligation.

Exalted Ruler: What is the motto of our Order?

Esquire: The faults of our brothers we write upon the sand, their virtues upon the
tablets of love and memory.

Exalted Ruler: What is the foundation and groundwork of our Order?

Esquire: To do unto others as we would they should do unto us.

Esquire returns to position
beside the Brother.

Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, you will now conduct our brother to the station of the
Esteemed Lecturing Knight for further instruction.

Vocal or instrumental music,
during which the Esquire conducts the candidate to the station of the Esteemed
Lecturing Knight, and in so doing passes in order the stations of the Esteemed
Loyal Knight and of the Exalted Ruler, placing the candidate in position facing
the Esteemed Lecturing Knight and immediately in front of his station.

Esquire: Esteemed Lecturing Knight, by direction of the Exalted Ruler, I present
this brother for further instruction.

Esteemed Lecturing Knight: My brother, I welcome you to this station which is dedicated to
Brotherly Love. Upon our altar it is symbolized by the antlers of protection.

The animal from which our Order derives its name is
noted for gentleness and timidity. It is strong of limb, fleet of foot, quick
and keen of perception. So should we be, my brother, quick to hear the cry of
distress, timorous of doing wrong and fleet of foot to relieve the unfortunate,
thus conforming to the Golden Rule which should govern all mankind.

In this rule, which is the foundation and
ground-work of our Order, Brotherly Love finds its perfect expression; and it is
best exemplified by practicing the teachings of our motto—“The faults of our
brothers we write upon the sand, their virtues upon the tablets of love and
memory.”

It softens the stern realities of life and
manifests itself in good fellowship, in sympathy, and in kindness of thought,
word and deed. It has smiles and laughter for us in seasons of joy, and it sits
with us in the shadow and weeps in the hour of bereavement. It teaches us to
scatter flowers along life’s pathway and to speak words of kindness to the
living as well as to cherish the memory of the dead.

As we therefore have opportunity, let us do good
unto all men, for we pass this way but once. We cannot retrace our steps nor
call back the days that are gone; but the passing moment is ours long enough to
grasp the hand in friendship, to lighten each other’s burdens, to bring rest
to the weary, and to comfort those who mourn—this is Brotherly Love.

Brother Esquire, yow will now conduct our brother
to the station of the Esteemed Loyal Knight for further instruction.

Vocal or instrumental music,
during which the Esquire conducts the candidate to the station of the Esteemed
Loyal Knight, and in so doing passes the station of the Esteemed Leading Knight,
placing the candidate in position facing the Esteemed Loyal Knight and
immediately
in front of his station.

Esquire: Esteemed Loyal Knight, by direction of the Esteemed Lecturing Knight, I
present this brother for further instruction.

Esteemed Loyal Knight: My brother, upon the altar before which you have just assumed the solemn
obligation of our Order, there lies the open Bible. It is the emblem of this
station, whose motto is Justice.

You have sworn to support the Constitution and
comply with the laws of this Order and the by-laws of this lodge. Justice
requires that your observance of that obligation should be full and complete,
for the first lesson it teaches is that of duty and obedience to constituted
authority.

When you have signed our roster and received your
membership card the Secretary will present you with a copy of the Constitution
and Statutes of this Order and the by-laws of this lodge.

I charge you to familiarize yourself with their
every provision; for, while Justice is not vindictive, it is exacting; and no
violation of your obligation, no failure to perform your fraternal duty, can be
permitted to pass this station unnoticed.

But the Order of Elks not only exacts from you the
strict performance of the duties of membership; it likewise bestows upon you
cherished rights and privileges which its whole power and authority will insure
and protect. Should you feel at any time that these rights have been invaded,
the courts of the Order are open to you. The decision of its highest tribunal
should be accepted as final.

Brother Esquire, you will now conduct our brother
to the station of the Esteemed Leading Knight for further instruction.

Vocal or instrumental music
during which the Esquire conducts the candidate to the station of the Esteemed
Leading Knight, and in so doing passes in order the stations of the Exalted
Ruler and of the Esteemed Lecturing Knight, placing the candidate in position
facing the Esteemed Leading Knight and immediately in front of his station.

Esquire: Esteemed Leading Knight, by direction of the Esteemed Loyal Knight, I
present this brother for further instruction.

Esteemed Leading Knight: My brother, the emblem of this station is the Flag of our Country; and
its motto is Charity, the cornerstone of every Elk structure, the highest virtue
of every Elk creed.

The daily gifts we bestow increase our own riches.
The help we extend to those in need is added to our own strength. The witchery
of wealth is not in having, but in sharing. The real benefactor of mankind
counts his store in what is given, not in what is saved.

But, as Elks, we teach not alone the charity of
alms, but the higher and nobler charity of thought, word and deed. Our whole
influence in life is determined by the good deeds we do rather than by the
emotions we feel. The kindliest feeling may vanish, the best resolve may be
forgotten; but the influence of a good deed, honestly and promptly performed,
will continue forever.

There’s a legend that in olden times a feast was
laid on high Olympus for all the gods, and thither each did bear the goddess of
his highest choice, until the throng had filled the mountain top.

Wealth and Riches came resplendent in their robes
of gold, and Greed and Avarice their companions were. Peace came, and all did
wonder that she leant upon the arm of War. Justice and Mercy entered, and
between, them proudly walked the god of Right. Faith came with Doubt, and Hope
entered by the side of Fear.

Thus, each in turn, until at last, uninvited and
unattended, came sweet Charity, in flowing robes of purest white, and in her
arms she bore a wilderness of flowers, dear tokens of remembrance for them all.

Then Wealth and Riches drew their gorgeous robes
aside, while Greed and Avarice protested loudly that one so poorly dressed
should royal feast attend.

Charity gave them answer soft and mild: “Have I
in truth no welcome here, and is there none in all this company who will my
companion be? Behold, I bring you sweetest flowers in offering and beg that you
accept them from my hand. Royal robes would not befit me well, for what grace I
have is not in figure nor in form. True, I come in simple raiment, unannounced,
yet Misery and Want await me at the door. I speak to you of their distress, and
argue for their cause.”

Whereupon the gods with one acclaim did vote her
purest, truest: noblest of all the Graces, ladened her with royal gifts,
proffered her a crown and begged that she would sit upon the throne.

But she made them answer, that she sought her
throne not among the gods, but in the hearts of men; and, commending kindly
deeds unto them all, went again upon her way.

This legend teaches us, my brother, that Charity is
the greatest of all the virtues; and that it should ever rule us in our hearts
and in our lives, leading us to speak no unkind word, to harbor no evil thought,
to bear no malice, to support no wrong; but to nurture, love and protect; to
condone, forgive and forget.

Esteemed Leading Knight: Brother Esquire, you will now conduct our brother to the station of the
Exalted Ruler for final instruction.

Vocal or instrumental music,
during which the Esquire conducts the candidate to the station of the Exalted
Ruler, and in so doing passes the station of the Esteemed Loyal Knight, placing
the candidate in position facing the Exalted Ruler and immediately in front of
his station.

Esquire: Exalted Ruler, by direction of the Esteemed Leading Knight, I present
this brother for final instruction.

The Esteemed Leading Knight gives
three raps of the gavel, the members rise and sing “America,” upon the
conclusion of which the Esteemed Leading Knight gives one rap of the gavel and
seats the members.

Exalted Ruler: My brother, I welcome you to this station for final instruction. You may
well be proud that the members of this lodge have deemed you worthy of their
confidence. I trust that you may continue to merit their approval, and become a
true and faithful brother among us. To accomplish this, you must at all times
have in mind the solemn and binding obligation which you have so recently
assumed,
and I charge you that your highest duty as an Elk is to keep it inviolate.
Conscience will not permit you to expunge a paragraph, eliminate a sentence, or
evade a responsibility; nor can you lay it aside when you leave the lodge room,
for it must henceforth be your constant guide and faithful monitor.

The cardinal principles of our Order are Charity,
Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity. Each has been adopted as the motto of a
station in the lodge, Fidelity being the motto of this, the principal station.
It is symbolized by the star which shines above our altar.

Fidelity implies strict adherence to our obligation
and faithfulness in the discharge of our duty as members of society.

As time runs on, in sun and shade, may you bear
with you ever in life’s changing course the sense of obligation and of wrong,
and in your heart the rapture of a high resolve.

Life’s story has been often told, yet each must
solve anew its problems for himself.

Our time upon the stage of action is but brief, yet
in the drama each must play a part. The character is left for each to choose;
a villain if we will, or man of honor, holding high above all things—high as
Hope’s great throbbing star above the darkness of the dead—respect for
virtue, and love of wife and home and friend.

‘Mid swiftly changing scenes that mark the action
of the play, we by each other oft may be aided in our part, or from each other
catch inspiration for a high resolve; and to this end exists the brotherhood
of Elks.

The Order of Elks. is distinctively American.
Linking the destiny of our Order with the destiny of our country we have made
its Flag the symbol of the crowning virtue.

The Esteemed Leading Knight gives
three raps. The lodge rises and remains standing at Flag salute during the
delivery of the tribute to the Flag.

Exalted Ruler: Brothers, salute our Flag.

The Exalted Ruler produces the
Flag, holding it in his hands The Organist plays softly “The Star Spangled
Banner”.

As this emblem is first in our hearts as loyal
Americans, so is it close to our altar as loyal Elks. The gentle breezes with
lingering caress kiss the folds of no flag which can compare with it in beauty.
There is no such red in budding rose, in falling leaf or sparkling wine; no such
white in April blossom, in crescent moon or mountain snow; no such blue in
woman’s eye, in ocean’s depth or heaven’s dome; and no such pageantry of
clustering stars and streaming light in all the spectrum of the sea and sky.

In the name of this great brotherhood, and on
behalf of this lodge, I present you with this, our Flag.

The Organist plays loudly the
concluding chords of “The Star Spangled Banner.” The Exalted Ruler presents
the Flag to the candidate. If there are a number of candidates the Exalted
Ruler may deliver the Flags to the Esquire to hand to them.

Preserve it as a memento of this occasion, and may
it ever stimulate you to the performance of your full duty in the preservation
and defense of all it represents.

Brief pause. Lodge at ease.

Finally, my brother, strive diligently that the
name of Elk as borne by you may be worthy of an American gentleman—one who
loves his fellow man.

Exalted Ruler: My brothers, how do Elks receive their brothers?

All give the hailing sign.

All:
Under the spreading antlers of protection.

Exalted Ruler: My brother, by virtue of the authority in me vested, I now declare you to
be a

member of ... Lodge, No. ..., of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America, and, after signing the
Constitution and By-Laws, entitled to all its rights and privileges. You may be
seated.

It is the duty of the Secretary
to see that each candidate signs the Constitution and By-Laws after initiation
and within the lodge room, during which vocal or instrumental music may be
rendered.

The presentation of Thanatopsis
is optional. but if used shall be recited by the Exalted Ruler or by some
brother whom he shall designate immediately following the instructions by the
Esquire on the procedure of the Order. The candidate should be seated. Each
lodge may work out its own plan of presentation, so long as it is in keeping
with the solemnity of the poem and the dignity and impressiveness of the
initiatory work.

Thanatopsis

To him who in the love of Nature holds

Communion with her visible forms, she speaks

A various language; for his gayer hours

She has a voice of gladness, and a smile

And eloquence of beauty, and she glides

Into his darker musings, with a mild

And healing sympathy, that steals away

Their sharpness, ere he is aware. When thoughts

Of the last bitter hour come like a blight

Over thy spirit, and sad images

Of the stern agony, and shroud, and pall.

And breathless darkness, and the narrow house

Make thee to shudder, and grow sick at heart—

Go forth, under the open sky, and list

To Nature’s teachings, while from all around

Earth and her waters, and the depths of air,

Comes a still voice—Yet a few days, and thee

The all-beholding sun shall see no more

In all his course; nor yet in the cold ground,

Where thy pale form was laid with many tears,

Nor in the embrace of ocean,shall exist

Thy image. Earth, that nourished thee, shall claim
Thy growth, to be resolved to earth again,
And, lost each human trace, surrendering up
Thine individual being, shalt thou go
To mix forever with the elements,
To be a brother to the insensible rock
And to the sluggish clod, which the rude swain
Turns with his share, and treads upon. The oak
Shall send his roots abroad, and pierce thy mould.
Yet not to thine eternal resting-place
Shalt thou retire alone, nor couldst thou wish
Couch more magnificent. Thou shalt lie down
With patriarchs of the infant world—with kings,
The powerful of the earth—the wise, the good,
Fair forms, and hoary seers of ages past,
All in one mighty sepulchre. The hills,
Rock-ribbed and ancient as the sun,—the vales
Stretching in pensive quietness between;
The venerable woods-rivers that move
In majesty and the complaining brooks
That make the meadows green; and, poured round all,
Old ocean’s gray and melancholy waste,
Are but the solemn decorations all
Of the great tomb of man. The golden sun,
The planets, all the infinite host of heaven,
Are shining on the sad abodes of death,

Through the still lapse of ages. All that tread

The globe are but a handful to the tribes

That slumber in its bosom. Take the wings

Of morning, pierce the Barcan wilderness,

Or lose thyself in the continuous woods

Where rolls the Oregon, and hears no sound,

Save his own dashings—yet—the dead are there;

And millions in those solitudes, since first

The flight of years began, have laid them down

In their last sleep—the dead reign there alone.

So shalt thou rest, and what if thou withdraw

In silence from the living and no friend

Take note of thy departure? All that breathe

Will share thy destiny. The gay will laugh

When thou art gone the solemn brood of care

Plod on and each one as before will chase
His favorite phantom; yet all these shall leave
Their mirth and their employments and shall come
And make their bed with thee. As the long train
Of ages glides away the sons of men
The youth in life’s green spring and he who goes
In the full strength of years, matron and maid,
The speechless babe, and the gray-headed man,
Shall one by one be gathered to thy side,
By those who in their turn shall follow them.
So live, that when thy summons comes to join
The innumerable caravan which moves
To that mysterious realm, where each shall take
His chamber in the silent halls of death,
Thou go not, like the quarry-slave at night,
Scourged to his dungeon, but sustained and soothed
By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave,
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.

Closing

When all the business of the session is ended the Exalted Ruler shall
sound the gavel and say:

Exalted Ruler: Brothers, having passed our
regular order of business, and complied our laws, I shall now proceed to close
the lodge. Brother Inner Guard, inform the Tiler.

The Inner Guard opens the door and informs the Tiler and, returning,
reports.

Inner Guard: Exalted Ruler, your order has
been obeyed.

Exalted Ruler: My brothers, in closing this
lodge let me admonish you, under the penalty of your obligation, against
revealing to any one, not an Elk in good standing, anything of a confidential
nature, which has occurred at this session. May the lessons of the evening
increase within each of us Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity.

The Esquire takes his position before the altar, standing about two paces
from it.

Exalted Ruler: Brothers, give the sign. The
brothers, led by the Esquire, give the hailing sign.

Exalted Ruler: Brother Esquire, attend the
altar.

The Esquire advances to the altar, removes the emblem and delivers it to
the Esteemed Lecturing Knight at his station, the Organist softly playing the
strains of “Auld Lang Syne.”

Esquire: Esteemed Lecturing Knight, into your charge and
keeping is now committed the emblem of our Order.

The Esteemed Lecturing Knight receives the emblem, holding it during his
response.

Esteemed Lecturing Knight: May its spreading antlers
ever protect us.

The Esquire returns to the altar, closes the Bible and delivers it to the
Esteemed Loyal Knight at his station, the Organist softly playing the strains
of “Nearer, My God, to Thee”.

Esquire: Esteemed Loyal Knight, to you is entrusted the
Book of Law.

The Esteemed Loyal Knight receives the Bible, holding it during his
response.

Esteemed Loyal Knight: May we ever be faithful to its
precepts.

The Esquire returns to the altar and, before taking the Flag from its
stand, shall pause for a moment until the Brothers salute the Flag.

Exalted Ruler: Brothers, salute our Flag.

The Esquire shall then take the Flag on its staff and deliver it to the
Esteemed Leading Knight at his station, the organist playing softly the strains
of the National Anthem. A Flag escort may accompany the Esquire in returning the
Flag. That is optional with the lodge.

Esquire: Esteemed Leading Knight, to you is returned,
unsullied, the Flag of our country.

Esteemed Leading Knight receives the Flag on its staff, holding it during
his response.

Esteemed Leading Knight: May we ever love and
defend it.

Esteemed Leading Knight places Flag in stand at his right The. Lodge will
then be at ease.

The Esquire, remaining at the station of the Esteemed Leading Knight,
steps a little to his left and faces the Exalted Ruler.

Esquire: Exalted Ruler, the emblems have been returned in
accordance with your instructions.

Exalted Ruler: The star of fidelity continues
ever to burn. Brother Chaplain, you will lead us in prayer.

Chaplain (from his station without advancing to the altar): Our Father, Who art in Heaven, we thank Thee for the fellowship and
accomplishments of this hour. As we began our session in acknowledgment of Thee
and Thy goodness and mercy, may we close by asking Thy benediction. May the
principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity guide us until we
meet again. Amen.

Exalted Ruler: I now declare ... Lodge, No ...,
of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks closed.